Football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane have been named among 26 players shortlisted for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI.
The shortlist was officially unveiled on Monday, November 2, following a worldwide voting process involving 19,806 professional male footballers from 73 countries. The players selected were recognised for their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. (FIFPRO)
The nomination of Ronaldo and Messi continues their remarkable presence in the global football awards conversation, while Mbappé and Kane also earned recognition for their performances during the assessment period.
Other notable forwards on the shortlist include Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
The 26 nominees are divided into four positional categories, with three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards making the list.
Among the defenders are Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel, Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí.
The midfield category features Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri and Vitinha. Goalkeeper nominees include Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez and David Raya
Unlike several other major football awards, the FIFPRO World XI is determined exclusively by professional footballers, giving players the opportunity to recognise colleagues they believe delivered outstanding performances.
To qualify for the men’s shortlist, players must have featured in at least 30 official matches during the assessment period. The final team will consist of a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards who receive the highest votes in their respective positions. The remaining position will go to the next highest-voted outfield player.
The final 2026 FIFPRO World XI will be announced on Monday, November 9, at 17:00 Central European Time through the organisation’s digital platforms.
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